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Do You See?

One of the things I love most about living in our Southern Arizona home is the night sky. There is hardly a night when the clouds obscure the brilliance of the stars. 

I wonder what it was like for the shepherds to be on that hill side when the angels filled the night and announced the birth of Jesus. How long had the wise men of the East studied the night skies, watching, anticipating the star that would lead them to the Christ child? 

When I look up at the star studded heavens I can’t identify the different constellations. I don’t know the names of the stars – it takes me a while to find the big and little dippers. But what I do see is the immensity of my God.

“The heavens tell about the glory of God. The skies announce what his hands have made. 2 Each new day tells more of the story, and each night reveals more and more about God’s power. 3 You cannot hear them say anything. They don’t make any sound we can hear. 4 But their message goes throughout the world. Their teaching reaches the ends of the earth.  The sun’s tent is set up in the heavens. 5 It comes out like a happy bridegroom from his bedroom. It begins its path across the sky like an athlete eager to run a race. 6 It starts at one end of the sky and runs all the way to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat.” Psalm 19:1-6 ERV

King David, who wrote this Psalm, saw the same thing in the heavens that we see today and he knew they were teaching each one of us, without words, that God’s glory is everywhere. They speak to us on a daily basis giving us the message of God’s power and provision. 

God teaches us about His faithfulness by what we see in the heavens. I used these verses yesterday but they tie in so well with today’s thought that I had to share them again. 

“17 Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same. 18 God decided to give us life through the true message he sent to us. He wanted us to be the most important of all that he created.” James 1:17-18 ERV

The planets, the stars, sun and moon all reveal God’s faithfulness. He made the lights in the sky; those lights cast shadows as they move through the sky and those shadows change but God never does! He is constant, He is always the same. He is always giving good gifts to us. 

God, the Father, isn’t looking for ways to punish us. Quite the contrary, He is looking for ways to bless us.  I hope you will take time to study the night sky. It’s not possible to count the stars. The impossibility of that task is a lesson of God’s infinite love and provision. 

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Said the night wind to the little lamb,
do you see what I see
Way up in the sky, little lamb,
do you see what I see
A star, a star, dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite
With a tail as big as a kite

Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy,
do you hear what I hear
Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy,
do you hear what I hear
A song, a song, high above the trees
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea


Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king,
do you know what I know
In your palace warm, mighty king,
do you know what I know
A Child, a Child shivers in the cold
Let us bring Him silver and gold
Let us bring Him silver and gold

Said the king to the people everywhere,
listen to what I say
Pray for peace, people everywhere!
listen to what I say
The Child, the Child, sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light
He will bring us goodness and light

The King of heaven, came as a child to bring us goodness and light! 

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Choosing The Right Gift

Many of you know that this year I wrote a book, The Best Gifts of Christmas. Isn’t that what we look for when we are getting gifts for those we love? The Best Gifts.

It’s easy enough to buy the latest trinket or gadget but when it’s a gift for the love of your life, that special someone, a dear friend or family member the decision on what to get is a bit more difficult. 

This morning in my Bible reading I came across this verse in Hebrews.

“Let us give thanks all the time to God through Jesus Christ. Our gift to Him is to give thanks. Our lips should always give thanks to His name. 16 Remember to do good and help each other. Gifts like this please God.” Hebrews 13:15-16 NLV

One of the best gifts we can give our heavenly Father is the gift of praise. We can give Him our thankful hearts, expressing praise for the wonderful things He has done for us. 

Over the last few days Facebook has been flooded with 2018 Yearbooks. They are helping us remember our past year by providing a collage of the images we have posted and others have “liked”. 

But what if we made our own collage of things we know God has done for us over the past year. A collage of praise, overlapping from one blessing to the next, giving God thanks for ALL He has done. 

“Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same. 18 God decided to give us life through the true message he sent to us. He wanted us to be the most important of all that he created.” James 1:17-18 ERV

Our loving Father has given us every good and perfect gift that we receive. He has given us the best. What He desires in return is our thanks, our gratitude, our love. There is nothing better that we can give Him. 

There’s a song that’s been circulating the last few years, it has a familiar melody but the lyrics have been rewritten. A friend sent it to me in a message the other morning and as I listened my eyes filled with tears as my heart overflowed with gratitude. I hope it does the same for you. 

A Hallelujah Christmas

I’ve heard about this baby boy
Who’s come to earth to bring us joy
And I just want to sing this song to you
It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
With every breath I’m singing Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

A couple came to Bethlehem
Expecting child, they searched the inn
To find a place for You were coming soon
There was no room for them to stay
So in a manger filled with hay
God’s only Son was born, oh Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

The shepherds left their flocks by night
To see this baby wrapped in light
A host of angels led them all to You
It was just as the angels said
You’ll find Him in a manger bed
Immanuel and Savior, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

A star shown bright up in the east
To Bethlehem, the wisemen three
Came many miles and journeyed long for You
And to the place at which You were
Their frankincense and gold and myrrh
They gave to You and cried out Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

I know You came to rescue me
This baby boy would grow to be
A man and one day die for me and you
My sins would drive the nails in You
That rugged cross was my cross, too
Still every breath You drew was Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Father, accept our heart-felt hallelujahs as our gift of praise for all You have given to us. 

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Let Love Rain

I’m using a play on words this morning; let love rain. I know it should be “reign” and not “rain” but the change in spelling makes a point. 

Here in the desert we don’t have the snow scenes that you experience in the northern areas of the country. When we lived in the northwest it was great fun to hike out through the snow and cut our own Christmas trees; build snowmen and sledding runs; and even go on horse drawn sleigh rides. For a few days, a few days…the snow was fun and if I’m perfectly honest I do miss it from time to time. 

But the other morning when Dave and I were on a walk  after a nice soft winter rain, the day was glorious. The temperature was crisp, the sun was shining brightly, the desert grasses glistened with the previous days moisture, and the air was crystal clear. We both remarked what a beautiful day it was – this is why we live here!  We have the beauty of nature and no snow to shovel.

Now how does this relate to rain and reign? The winter rains we experience in the desert are gentle, soft and soothing. Isn’t that what we all need this time of year? We need things to be soothing, soft and kind. 

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. 5 Love is not rude, it is not selfish, and it cannot be made angry easily. Love does not remember wrongs done against it. 6 Love is never happy when others do wrong, but it is always happy with the truth. 7 Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits. 8 Love will never end.” I Corinthians 13:4-8 ERV

During the Christmas season we seem to be more loving, accepting, gentle and forgiving. Maybe it’s because the season reminds us of how gracious God is to us. He doesn’t coerce or demand; He doesn’t ridicule or criticize. God, in His loving manner, welcomes us with open arms and He never gives up on us. Like a soft rain soaking in to the harden soil, God’s love soaks through even the hardest hearts to bring the message of forgiveness. He never loses hope and He never gives up on us.

It is important to have love reign as well as rain. When love reigns it means that it has set itself up as the ruling authority. Like a king establishes his rule throughout the land, love, when it reigns in our hearts, establishes its authority and dictates our actions. There is nothing greater than love. 

“Be careful. Hold firmly to your faith. Have courage and be strong. 14 Do everything in love.” I Corinthians 16: 13-14 ERV

My desire is to  shower folks with love. Each day I try to look for opportunities to be a godly example. Years ago I heard a song recorded by Barbara Mandrell, One Night a Year. She’s one of my favorite country artists and this song became an anthem in my heart. I hope you enjoy it.  (you can listen to it by clicking on the song title)

One Night A Year

Once again the windows shine with pretty lights
Once again our loved ones gather at our sight
Busy crowds of strangers greet each other with a smile
There’s Christmas in the eyes of every child

Once again the presents are resting by the tree
Once again we worship the One who came for you and me
I hear choirs of voices as they’re singing out His name
Again we tell the story of how the Christ Child came

One night a year we believe in peace on earth
One night a year we praise our Saviour’s birth
I wish every night the whole year through could be like Christmas Eve
When love’s pure light is shining everywhere, one night a year

Once again around the world heads are bowed in prayer
Once again the promise of peace is in the air
But soon will come the morning and the feeling will be past
And I can’t help but wonder why the feeling only lasts

One night a year we believe in peace on earth
One night a year we praise our Saviour’s birth
I wish every night the whole year through could be like Christmas Eve
When love’s pure light is shining everywhere, one night a year

One night a year we believe in peace on earth
One night a year we praise our Saviour’s birth
I wish every night the whole year through could be like Christmas Eve
When love’s pure light is shining everywhere, one night a year

One night a year

Let’s join together and let love rain more than just one night a year!

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A Man of Honor

For the last several days I have been thinking about Joseph. 

He must have been a wonderful man; a man of honor. We don’t know much about him but Scripture gives us insight of his love for Mary and for God.

“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah happened. His mother Mary was engaged to marry Joseph. But before they married, he learned that she was expecting a baby. (She was pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit.) 19 Mary’s husband, Joseph, was a good man. He did not want to cause her public disgrace, so he planned to divorce her secretly.

20 But after Joseph thought about this, an angel from the Lord came to him in a dream. The angel said, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to accept Mary to be your wife. The baby inside her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son. You will name him Jesus.[a Give him that name because he will save his people from their sins.”

22 All this happened to make clear the full meaning of what the Lord said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will be pregnant and will give birth to a son. They will name him Immanuel.”[b (Immanuel means “God with us.”)

24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the Lord’s angel told him to do. He married Mary. 25 But Joseph did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And he named him Jesus.” Matthew 1:18-25 ERV

The woman Joseph loved, the woman he had planned to marry was pregnant. The baby wasn’t his! This was disgraceful. We know that Joseph didn’t want Mary to be subjected to public ridicule and scorn. He loved her; he wanted the best for her even though he was dealing with a great emotional struggle. 

Joseph was wrestling with what he should do when the Lord sent an angel to him in a dream and gave him a plan. Yes, he was an honorable man. The perfect man to help raise God’s son. 

I can just imagine what it must have been like to be Mary. She had to tell Joseph she was pregnant. Did she explain to him that this baby she was carrying was the Messiah? How did her family react? These questions aren’t answered in Scripture but they make for  interesting conjecture. 

The past few days as I have been baking and decorating I’ve also been listening to Christmas Carols. There are carols about Jesus, Mary, the angels, the shepherd, the wise men and the night but I haven’t heard one about Joseph. So, I did a search and found a couple songs which have been written from Joseph’s viewpoint.  For whatever reason they haven’t gotten much air play.  Here’s one called Joseph’s Song, by Michael Card. (click the link to hear the song)

How could it be this baby in my arms
Sleeping now, so peacefully
The Son of God, the angel said
How could it be
Lord I know He’s not my own
Not of my flesh, not of my bone
Still Father let this baby be
The son of my love
Chorus 2
Father show me where I fit into this plan of yours
How can a man be father to the Son of God
Lord for all my life I’ve been a simple carpenter
How can I raise a king, How can I raise a king


He looks so small, His face and hands so fair
And when He cries the sun just seems to disappear
But when He laughs it shines again
How could it be

These lyrics speak to my heart. they reflect my own feelings as I ask the Lord where do I fit into Your plan. How can I best represent Jesus through my life? 

Father, thank you for honorable men and women who are willing to do the right thing regardless of their circumstances. Thank you that they represent You and your love to this world. 

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Light The Way

There is a tradition in the Southwest that I dearly love. When I was a child and we lived in northern New Mexico, it was there I saw the luminarias at Christmas for the first time. 

Originally, luminarias were  small signal fires of pinyon pine branches which lit the courtyards and the way to the church during the celebration at Christmas. These small fires were replaced with the farolito, small paper bags with sand and candles. This is what I remember. 

After Dave and I were married we lived in Las Cruces, NM. The homes there, and in El Paso, were adorned with these flickering lights. It added such a special sense of wonder and reverence to the neighborhoods. 

The image above was taken at a mission near our home in Southern Arizona. Each year Tumacacori Mission is  illuminated like this. Simplistic and humble lighting lines the path that leads to a place where we worship the King.

Lighting the way for Christ.

God, the Father, did that when He placed the star in the heavens and the wise men’s caravan came from the East with gifts for the Christ child.

” Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea during the time when Herod was king. After Jesus was born, some wise men from the east came to Jerusalem. 2 They asked people, “Where is the child who has been born to be the king of the Jews? We saw the star that shows he was born. We saw it rise in the sky in the east and have come to worship him…
7 Then Herod had a private meeting with the wise men from the east. He learned from them the exact time they first saw the star. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem. He said, “Go and look carefully for the child. When you find him, come tell me. Then I can go worship him too.”

9 After the wise men heard the king, they left. They saw the same star they had seen in the east, and they followed it. The star went before them until it stopped above the place where the child was. 10 They were very happy and excited to see the star.

11 The wise men came to the house where the child was with his mother Mary. They bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened the boxes of gifts they had brought for him. They gave him treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 But God warned the wise men in a dream not to go back to Herod. So they went home to their own country a different way.” Matthew 2:1-12 ERV

The wise men assumed that someone whose birth had been announced with such a majestic star in the heaven’s was royal. Surely, His birth had taken place at the palace in Jerusalem. They stopped there seeking the child. Herod, the king, was threatened by this news. He wanted the child found. Herod instructed the wise men to return to him when they found the child because, he said, that he also wanted to worship Him. This was a lie; Herod wanted to have the child killed. The Lord warned the wise men of Herod’s evil plan so they returned home by another route. 

God is still lighting the way for people to come to Christ. We are the ones that He is using. Like the small paper bags that house the candles and line the path, we have the light of God within us. 

“The Scriptures say, “God commanded light to shine in the dark.” Now God is shining in our hearts to let you know that his glory is seen in Jesus Christ. 7 We are like clay jars in which this treasure is stored. The real power comes from God and not from us.” II Corinthians 4:6-7 CEV

God is wanting to use us to show  His light and His glory to the world. Oh Lord, I want your light to shine brightly through me!

We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star

Refrain:  O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy Perfect Light

Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign
(Refrain)

Frankincense to offer have I
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Prayer and praising, all men raising
Worship Him, God most high  (Refrain)

Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes of life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb
(Refrain)

Glorious now behold Him arise
King and God and Sacrifice
Alleluia, Alleluia
Earth to heav’n replies      (Refrain)

May our light lead, not just to the baby born in a manger, but also to the empty tomb and the risen Lord!


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Don’t Steal the Baby Jesus

In our area we have beautiful, brightly colored pottery which is made in Mexico and it is known as talavera.

For years I have purchased pieces to use in my decorating; cups, bowls, plates, canisters, etc. Each piece brings an atmosphere of gaiety and joy to the room. Several years ago, I was shopping in Tubac, an artisan community near us, when I saw the talavera nativity sets. I knew I had to have one. 

Most of my decorating at Christmas is done with nativity sets and angels. I studied each figure in the set; their smiling faces, their clothing, the shape of the stall and then I realized there was no baby Jesus! Where did He go? What happened to Him? 

The shop that we were in had many different size nativity sets and they were all missing the Christ child. And then I saw the handwritten sign…If you buy a nativity, ask for Jesus. 

Ask for Jesus! Wasn’t that the Father’s intent from the beginning? He wanted us to recognize that our lives were not complete without Jesus. 

Ask for Jesus? When I asked the shop owner why there were no baby Jesus figures he told me this. We never have any problem with theft in this shop except for the baby Jesus. We keep Him in the back until a nativity is sold and then bring Him out and add Him with the rest of the pieces. 

Who would steal the baby Jesus? That is completely counter to the reason He came. When Jesus was born the angels filled the heavens with the announcement. The shepherds were told to go find Him. The wise men saw and followed His star. Everyone was welcome to come see Jesus!

Jesus came to forgive the sins of all men, even the ones who would steal the baby Jesus.  Jesus wasn’t born in a palace where only a few of the elite would be allowed to enter. He wasn’t born in a monastery where only the religious and the holy would be. No, He was born in a barn; anyone – man, woman, child, elite or poor, educated or unlearned was welcomed at the manger. 

“Today your Savior was born in David’s town. He is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This is how you will know him: You will find a baby wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a feeding box.” 13 Then a huge army of angels from heaven joined the first angel, and they were all praising God, saying,

14 “Praise God in heaven,
    and on earth let there be peace to the people who please him.”

15 The angels left the shepherds and went back to heaven. The shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this great event the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they went running and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the feeding box.” Luke 2:11-16 ERV 

I want to encourage you to put Jesus on display. Don’t hid him, let the world see that He lives in you. Love the way He did; reach out to everyone the Father brings your way. The sign on our lives should be “if you want Jesus, just ask”. 

Away in a manger, no crib for His bed
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head
The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay


The cattle are lowing, the poor Baby awakes
But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes
I love Thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the night sky
And stay by my side till morning is nigh


Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me I pray
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care
And take us to Heaven to live with Thee there

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Red & Green Have New Meaning

I don’t really know much about the traditions of Christmas. Why the use of red and green, what’s the message behind the tree, and the tinsel? I’m sure they have meaning but I’ve never researched it.

And really, I’m not a big “red and green” person. They add festive color to our homes at the holidays but  they’re not colors I would decorate with the rest of the year.

Looking around my living room  I was struck by the red and green poinsettia, it’s absolutely beautiful! Then I noticed a deer with a nice red bow. He’s adorned with a holly sprig and sits on my fireplace hearth. He was a  gift from a dear friend years and years ago. 

As I sit here, I realize I am impacted in another way by  red and  green. The words, in red, in my Bible have had a life changing effect. The words of Jesus, and His shed blood, have brought me life. Green is the color of living things.  God’s word gives me abundant life here on earth and eternal life with my Father in heaven! 

“Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me.” John 14:6 ERV

“10 A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” John 10:10 CEV

“Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life.” John 3:16 ERV

Today’s Christmas carol is an old traditional carol from England. In European Christian tradition, the prickly leaves of the holly bush represent the crown of thorns that Jesus wore when he was crucified. The berries are symbolic of the drops of blood that were shed by Jesus because of the thorns. In Scandinavia, holly is known as the Christ Thorn. It would seem then that holly would be more appropriate at Easter but it grows in winter and so it was used to adorn homes during the holiday season.

If you’re not familiar with this carol, you may click this link to hear the song, The Holly & The Ivy.

The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The holly bears the crown

The holly bears a blossom
As white as lily flower
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our sweet Saviour

The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good

The holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas Day in the morn.

The holly bears a bark
As bitter as any gall;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all.

The holly and the ivy
Now both are full well grown,
Of all the trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown.

 When I see the red/green color scheme now, I won’t just think of Christmas but I will be mindful of the words of Jesus, and the growth they have brought  to my life.

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Did You Know?

Have you ever made the statement, “if I knew things were going to turn out like that I would have done them differently”?

In our finite thinking, we can be tempted to second guess ourselves. No matter how long we trouble shoot a situation or try to figure in every variable there’s always a place when knowledge fails and faith steps in.

“Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. 6 With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way.” Proverbs 3:5-6 ERV

“ Turn to the Lord for help in everything you do, and you will be successful.” Proverbs 16:3 ERV

“Do what the Lord wants, and he will give you your heart’s desire. 5 Let the Lord lead you  and trust him to help.” Psalm 37:4-5 CEV

There have been so many times that I have failed to follow the Lord’s instruction. Oh, I have prayed about a situation and asked for wisdom but when it seemed impractical or illogical I have ended up doing my own thing and failed miserably. However, when I have trusted the Lord and followed His leading, not depending on my own knowledge, He has directed me to a good end.

I wonder if there was any of this silent debate in Mary’s thought process when the angel came to her and told her she was chosen to be the mother of the Messiah. The account in Scripture doesn’t show any hesitation. In fact, it says that she told the angel “let it be done to me as you said”.

Her life was radically changed. She was an unwed mother. She could have been rejected by her fiancé; shamed, opened to public ridicule or even stoned.

Mary, did you know?

As a young Jewess she knew the Scriptures. She knew the Messiah was prophesied to be born of a virgin but would her family and the people in her town acknowledge that she was the one?

Mary, did you know?

“Here is a message for all who are weak, trembling, and worried: 4 “Cheer up! Don’t be afraid. Your God is coming to punish your enemies. God will take revenge on them and rescue you.” 5 The blind will see, and the ears of the deaf will be healed. 6 Those who were lame will leap around like deer; tongues once silent will begin to shout. Water will rush through the desert.” Isaiah 35:3-6 CEV

These Scriptures were written hundreds of years before Christ was born. They tell of His life and His mission. Was Mary aware of all that her Son would accomplish? Did she know He would change history? I believe she did. 

I don’t think she knew how it would all come about but I believe she trusted the Lord, her God, with her very life and so she committed to follow His path regardless of the cost.

Mary Did You Know written by Mark Lowry

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
That your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you’ve delivered
Will soon deliver you

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will calm a storm with His hand?
Did you know
That your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby
You’ve kissed the face of God

Mary, did you know?
The blind will see
The deaf will hear
And the dead will live again
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of the Lamb

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know
That your baby boy is heaven’s perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you’re holding
Is the Great I Am

Oh Mary did you know?

Is  the Lord  asking us to do something and we’re just not sure how it will turn out? The very best response we can have is to trust and follow! He will direct our paths.

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Lessons from Little Towns

I told you yesterday that when we lived in Montana our town was small; 5000 people small and that was when college was in session. We purposefully chose a rural community there and here in Arizona. We’re small town people!

There is a sense of closeness and camaraderie among the people in rural areas. I remember going to events at the Elks Club and everyone was there; fund-raisers for the local high school, food drives, benefit night for someone who had been diagnosed with illness or hurt in an accident. These were all part of our community coming together to help.

I was wondering if this was what life was like in Bethlehem.  Did everyone reach out to help their neighbors, to provide what was needed when there was a crisis? Was that what was in the heart of the innkeeper when he saw a young couple standing before him asking for a place to stay? Was he moved with compassion for this expectant mother; did it break his heart to say “there’s no room in the inn”?

I read one article which said, it is estimated  at the time of the census, the time of Jesus birth, there were approximately 200 homes in Bethlehem.  I don’t think the population of the whole town was much more than 1200-1500 residents. How many inns could there have been? How many doors did Joseph knock on before he found a place to stay?

The Scripture tells us that Bethlehem had been chosen, by God, as the place that Jesus was to be born. It was prophesied in the book of Micah, about 700 years before Christ, that He would be born here.

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, are the smallest town in Judah.
Your family is almost too small to count, but the “Ruler of Israel” will come from you to rule for me. His beginnings are from ancient times, from long, long ago. 3 The Lord will let his people be defeated until the woman gives birth to her child, the promised king. Then the rest of his brothers will come back
to join the people of Israel. 4 He will begin to rule Israel in the power of the Lord. Like a shepherd, he will lead his people in the wonderful name of the Lord his God. And they will live in safety because then his greatness will be known all over the world. 5 He will bring a time of peace.” Micah 5:2-5 ERV

Bethlehem was said to be the smallest town in the country. If I were God I think I would have had my Son born someplace a little more grand. But God’s way is one of humility. The Apostle Paul says that God uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. A birth in Bethlehem was truly an example of that.

This gives me real hope. Hope and a sense of purpose. If God chose a small town like Bethlehem to play a part in the birth of His Son then He can certainly use me for some purpose as well.

“Your word to me, your servant, is like pure gold; I treasure what you say. 141 Everyone calls me a nobody, but I remember your laws. 142 You will always do right,  and your teachings are true.” Psalm 119:140-142 CEV

The lesson I learn from Bethlehem being chosen is that God uses those who are available. A small town, an unnamed innkeeper, shepherds of questionable reputation and me.  Thank you Lord that you see value when others see none.

O Little Town of Bethlehem, you were chosen for a great purpose!

O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight

For Christ is born of Mary
And gathered all above
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love
O morning stars together
Proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the King
And Peace to men on earth

How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him still,
The dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us, we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born to us today
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us
Our Lord Emmanuel

 

 

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Sounds of Joy

For years we lived in a small town in Southwest Montana. On one of our first visits there we were walking down the street when the fire siren went off. It blew long and loud, we were startled to say the least.

Come to find out, that’s how they announced the noon hour to everyone in town. At twelve o’clock the alarm rang! We learned to get used to it and we also learned that if it rang at any other time it was a call to bring the volunteer fire fighters to their posts. That sound  brought assistance and silent prayers to those who were in need.

In towns throughout the world the sound of the church bells tell another story. They ring-in celebration; weddings, births, liberation. Is it any wonder that there are so many carols with bells mentioned in them? Silver Bells, Jingle Bells, Carol of the Bells.

What should be more celebrated than the birth of Christ?

I wanted to find out if there was any reference in Scripture to bells. I only found a couple of verses and they really had nothing to do with celebrating. But wait…maybe they do.

“ Make pomegranates of blue and purple and red cloth to put all around the bottom of this clothing. And put bells of gold between them. 34 Put a gold bell and a pomegranate, then a gold bell and a pomegranate, all the way around the bottom of this clothing. 35 Aaron will wear it when he serves Me. The sound of the bells will be heard when he goes in the holy place and when he comes out so that he will not die.” Exodus 28:33-35 NLV

These verses describe the special garment that the high priest, Aaron, was to wear when he went into the holiest place in the tabernacle to meet with the Lord. It was in this place where the Ark of the Covenant, the stone tablet with the Ten Commandments, and the other sacred things of the Lord were housed. This was the place where the high priest went to receive forgiveness from the Lord for the sins of the people.

Around the hem of his garment were bells. The bells would ring to indicate that the high priest was meeting with the Lord. Meeting there to obtain remission of sins and to find mercy. It was a meeting of the highest importance, only happened once a year, and it was a time of great joy for the people of Israel. They knew that God had accepted their sacrifice and forgiven their sins.

Yes, ringing bells were a sound of celebration!

Here are the words to our youngest daughter’s favorite Christmas Carol.

Carol of the Bells

Hark how the bells,
sweet silver bells,
all seem to say,
throw cares away
Christmas is here,
bringing good cheer,
to young and old,
meek and the bold.
Ding dong ding dong
that is their song
with joyful ring
all caroling.
One seems to hear
words of good cheer
from everywhere
filling the air.
Oh how they pound,
raising the sound,
o’er hill and dale,
telling their tale.
Gaily they ring
while people sing
songs of good cheer,
Christmas is here.
Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas,
Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas.
On on they send,
on without end,
their joyful tone
to every home.
Ding dong ding dong!

Ding, dong, ding, dong Christmas bells are ringing.

On Saturday, while I was out for a bit, I was greeted with that sweet sound, the ringing of the bell. There was a dear man wearing the uniform of the Salvation Army standing at his kettle, ringing his bell of good cheer. He warmly smiled and offered everyone that past his way a joyful “Merry Christmas, God bless you.”

Each time you hear the celebratory anthem of the bells this year, stop for a moment, give thanks for the marvelous gift they remind us of; the gift of being in God’s presence and having our sins forgiven.

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